06

Dec
2024

$1 million awarded to help boost community wellbeing and resilience on the North Coast

Healthy North Coast is proud to announce the successful funding recipients of the 2024 Community Wellbeing and Resilience (CWR) Program.

Queer Family, Plan C and The Returning will each receive funding to deliver programs over the next two years to help impacted North Coast communities in their recovery from the health and wellbeing impacts of natural disasters, and to build their capacity to respond to future events.

Since 2022, funding has been provided to 26 community wellbeing and resilience initiatives through the CWR program, valued at more than $6.3 million.

The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Member for Richmond and Assistant Minister for Social Services, welcomed the announcement:

“As our region continues to rebuild from the profound impacts of recent disasters, strengthening the health and wellbeing of our communities is essential to building resilience.

“By investing in community led initiatives that support stronger social cohesion and disaster preparation, we’re not just addressing immediate needs, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger and sustainable future for all.”

CEO of Healthy North Coast, Monika Wheeler said building community resilience is fundamental to improving health and wellbeing outcomes due to natural disasters and a changing climate.

“Our region includes a number of Local Government Areas that have experienced high numbers of declared disasters, including the bushfires in 2021 and the Northern Rivers floods in 2022,” said Ms Wheeler.

“The CWR program focuses on improving community health and wellbeing through local projects that build social connection, strengthen the capacity of our volunteer and community organisations, and ensure communities are equipped with the knowledge, skills and resources to adapt to the health and wellbeing impacts of a changing climate. 

“Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients, we’ve already witnessed many fantastic outcomes as a result of the CWR program and looking forward to seeing the benefits that this latest round of funding will bring.”

The programs that will be delivered by the three successful CWR grant recipients are:

Queer Family is a community-based, peer-led organisation in Mullumbimby that was formed in 2019 to address the critical need for support systems for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Their Queer Wellbeing Programme provides social connection opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community to support resilience and wellbeing, addressing a critical need for safe, culturally appropriate, Queer-affirming support systems for a vulnerable, marginalised community particularly during crisis and recovery.

Quotes attributable to Queer Family Grants Officer, Frieda Herrman:

“We’re beyond thrilled to be receiving this funding from Healthy North Coast. It means the world to Queer Family and our community. With this support, we can create even more amazing programs that bring people together, foster connections and help everyone feel seen and valued. We know that Queer led and Queer affirming programming changes saves lives. This is the first time we’ve had access to proper core funding, and we are so excited to see all the ways it will help our community thrive.”

 

Plan C is a not-for-profit charity founded in 2019 with the mission to build community resilience and regeneration through education, research, mentoring, partnerships and support programs.

In collaboration with community groups, councils, emergency agencies, and universities, more than 240 local leaders impacted by disasters will be trained, equipped, and mentored to become a network of volunteer Community Carers and Responders (CCRs). The CCR network supports crisis prevention, preparedness, response and recovery across Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and the Tweed.

Quotes attributable to Plan C CEO, Dr Jean Renouf:

“We are thrilled to receive this grant, which empowers us to strengthen community resilience across the wider Northern Rivers. The support from Healthy North Coast allows us to expand our Community Carers and Responders (CCR) network, equipping local residents with the skills and confidence to adapt to our changing climate, build their own community and prepare for and respond to disasters effectively. This funding will enhance our ability to foster a safer, more connected community, prepared to face future challenges together. Local residents will soon have the opportunity to join the CCR network for free!”

 

The Returning focuses on Indigenous culture and healing, delivering programs for women, First Nations mothers and babies, Indigenous youth, and camps for men, women, jarjums and Elders.

Their Wellbeing and Resilience, Our Way Program is an Aboriginal designed and led initiative to increase the health and resilience of Indigenous individuals and communities on Bundjalung Country and surrounds (Northern NSW). It focuses on meeting the local health and wellbeing needs of Indigenous individuals, families and communities, in particular those impacted by the 2022 floods.

Quotes attributable to The Returning Founder and Director, Ella Noah Bancroft:

“The funding will allow us to continue to support our community with programs that improve their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. We will be able to support flood victims, mothers and mob as our highest priority into our programs. We know that supporting women and mothers to find good health and wellbeing has a huge impact on the community.”

 

For more information on the CWR program visit Healthy North Coast’s website.

 

Additional info:

  • Healthy North Coast trialled Participatory Grant making (PGM) as part of the 2024 grant application process by involving the shortlisted organisations in the decision-making process. The PGM process responded to community sector feedback and involved face–to–face collaborative workshops for pitch practice and feedback, networking opportunities with other organisations and local funders, and peer assessment as part of the grant decision making process.
  • Healthy North Coast’s Community Wellbeing and Resilience program has been recognised for its efforts in building community health and wellbeing resilience in the face of increasing climate disasters, winning the Resilient Australia Mental Health and Wellbeing Award for NSW.
  • A total of $1 million in funding has been awarded in the 2024 CWR Program, through the Primary Health Network Program – an initiative of the Australian Government.
  • Since 2022 the Community Wellbeing and Resilience Program has awarded 26 grants, with a total value of $6.3 million through funding provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and NSW Government Ministry of Health.
  • Visit our CWR page for a list of previous grant recipients, and the projects that were delivered.

 

Contact for media enquiries

Sam Brunning

Phone: 0439 968 437

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Our regional partners

  • Local Health District partners in our footprint: Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) & Northern New South Wales Local Health District (NNSWLHD)
  • Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS)
  • The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
  • Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
  • Rural Doctors Network (RDN)
  • Rural Clinical Schools & Regional Training Hubs
  • General Practitioners
  • Registrars and International Medical Graduates
  • North Coast Allied Health Association (NCAHA)
  • Local Councils
    Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
  • Universities including: Charles Sturt University (CSU), University of New South Wales (UNSW), Southern Cross University (SCU)

Aged Care Disaster Management Planning

Strategic Priority Area: One team

North Coast is identified as the region most likely to be impacted by climate change in Australia and also forecasted greatest growth in those 65+.

Healthy North Coast takes a lead role in ensuring the older population and the sector that supports them are prepared for, can respond to and recover from disasters and other emergencies.

We have led eight regional disaster management capacity building workshops, bringing together SES, community organisations and the aged care sector.

We have also developed disaster preparedness tip sheets for both residential and community aged care providers.

Voluntary Assisted Dying

Strategic Priority Area: One team

In May 2022, the NSW Parliament passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022. Effective from Tuesday, 28 November 2023, eligible people have the choice to access voluntary assisted dying. 

Healthy North Coast has developed a webpage for both health professionals and consumers, with links to available information and resources.

Living with Dementia resources

Strategic Priority Area: No one is left behind

Healthy North Coast has worked with people living with dementia, their families and local service providers to develop an information booklet that will help them connect with local and national supports along their journey.

Highly regarded by a range of professional supporting those on or starting the dementia journey, the booklet includes commonly asked questions for people to ask their GP and/or specialist.

“It’s a fantastic resource and I give it to everyone on their first diagnosis. Its easy to read, so well planned and thought through and has lots of really useful information, tailored to the region.
I also find it very helpful when educating clinical staff.”

−Geropsychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Mid North Coast.

The resource is available in digital and printed copies, with more than 5,000 distributed across the region. An e-version is available to clinicians via the Dementia and Cognitive Impairment HealthPathway.

Deteriorating Resident Triage Tool Pilot

Strategic Priority Area: One team

The Deteriorating Resident Response Tool (DRRT) has been developed to guide RN’s in Residential Aged Care homes (RACHs) to better understand, anticipate and make clinical decisions responding to the deteriorating health of residents.

The objective of the DRRT is to give RACH staff clear information to triage and provide appropriate care for a range of residents’ health conditions, and, in turn, prevent unnecessary presentations to ED.

The tool has been designed together with a specialist geriatrician, consulting with stakeholders such as Residential Aged Care Managers, NSW Ambulance, GPs, and experts from Mid and North Coast LHDs.

The pilot commences in March with four participating RACHs. Evaluation measures will include effectiveness in building RN confidence and reported reduction in unnecessary hospitalisations. Findings will inform a future planned, region-wide implementation.

North Coast Care Finders Program

Strategic Priority Area: No one is left behind

The Care Finders program is a free region-wide service to support vulnerable older people who have no-one else to help them, to learn about, apply for and set up support services.

Care finders can help people understand what aged care services are available, set up an assessment, and find and choose services. They also help people with access to other supports in the community, both accessing services for the first time and changing or finding new services and supports.

On the North Coast, Healthy North Coast has commissioned four organisations to provide this important service: EACH, Carexcell, Lifetime Connect and Footprints.

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Psychological services in residential aged care homes

Strategic Priority Area: Improving Lives Now

Healthy North Coast commissions two service providers to deliver psychological therapies and supports for older people with, or at risk of developing, a mental illness and who are living in residential aged care homes (RACHs).

The aim of the program is to both provide direct support to residents and their families and carers, as well as upskill the RACH workforce to respond to the needs of residents presenting with mental health concerns.

Healthy Towns. Healthy Communities.

Strategic Priority Area: Securing a Healthier Future

Connection and a sense of belonging are protective factors for both individual and community health and wellbeing. Evidence highlights that the social determinants of health play a critical role in addressing many of our regions health challenges.

That’s why Healthy North Coast has long been committed to supporting communities to strengthen and to build social health. Our initiatives, including contemporary ‘Social Prescribing’, help people to connect to activities, supports and each other, and assist communities to integrate services and bridge gaps.

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Telehealth in Residential Aged Care

Strategic Priority Area: Improving Lives Now

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety identified several critical areas affecting aged care residents and our health system. Key challenges include:

  • Limited access to general practitioners (GPs) and allied health professionals in aged care facilities.
  • Difficulties accessing out-of-hours services

Telehealth offers valuable opportunities to enhance support for residents living in aged care homes. Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, this initiative provides telehealth equipment and staff training as part of the response to the Royal Commission’s findings.

By improving access to primary care clinicians, specialist services, and other service providers through telehealth, we can significantly enhance health outcomes for residents, reducing unnecessary hospital transfers and emergency department visits.

The selection of telehealth equipment was guided by our Healthy Ageing Strategy (HAS), a comprehensive digital discovery questionnaire, and consultation workshops with various stakeholders. These efforts included interviews with residents to understand their attitudes toward telehealth, ensuring the initiative meets their needs and preferences.

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Greater Choice at Home Palliative Care Program

Strategic Priority Area: Improving Lives Now

Aims to provide people who have life limiting conditions the opportunity to exercise choice and receive high quality care at home, harnessing improved and better coordinated supports and services that meet their individual needs.

Program objectives:

  • Improve access to palliative care at home and support end-of-life care systems and services (in primary health care and community care)
  • To enable the right care at the right time and in the right place (to reduce unnecessary hospitalisation)
  • Generate and use data to support continuous improvement of services across sectors
  • Use available technologies to support flexible and responsive palliative care at home, including in the after-hours.

These objectives will contribute to achieving the following intended overarching outcomes of:

  • Improved capacity and responsiveness of services to meet local needs and priorities
  • Improved patient access to quality palliative care services in the home
  • Improved coordination of care for patients across health care providers and integration of palliative care services in their region.

Education & training funding elibility

Funding is open to all primary care providers within disaster affected communities across the Healthy North Coast footprint.

Workforce Locum support and R&R funding criteria

  • Available to primary care services in disaster impacted communities within the Healthy North Coast footprint.
  • Available to support short-term workforce coverage, allowing clinicians to rest and recover.
  • Workforce-support funding in total is capped for each site, over a 12-month period:
    • $10k for GPs and/or
    • $5K for nursing and/or
    • $5k administration support and/or
    • $5K allied/pharmacy and other.
  • Funding is not to be used to fill gaps in staffing that have not been able to recruit to and not to replace existing staff.
  • Healthy North Coast will assess requirements and approve available funding directly with the service requesting support.
  • Priority will be given to sites that have immediate, short-term workforce support needs.
  • Requests will be reviewed and supported on a case-by-case basis.
  • Program funding administered via RCTI Agreement (Recipient Created Tax Invoice) to be paid monthly, or on completion of the placement (whichever comes first).
  • Practices will be required to complete a request for payment form monthly, or on completion of the placement (whichever occurs first).

Wellbeing Flexible Funding Criteria & Eligibility

  • Open to all primary care providers within disaster affected communities across the Healthy North Coast footprint.
  • Activity must be purposeful, with the aim of increasing the wellbeing of your team.
  • Requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with funding allocated based on team size.*
  • Following approval by Healthy North Coast, funding will be administered via RCTI Agreement (Recipient Created Tax Invoice) upon providing proof of expenses.
  • Funding cannot be used for the purchase of alcohol, or any other goods or services where the vendor cannot quote their Australian Business Number.
  • Planned activities must occur prior to 30th June 2024.
  • Funding will not be available for retrospective activities.
*Team Size
(Total staff and contractors)
Funding Available
Small (1-5)$500-$1500
Medium (6-20)$1500-$4000
Large (>20)$4000-$5000